Tests that start with the letter V
Laboratory Test Guide: Tests Starting with the Letter "V"
A complete list of all tests beginning with the letter "V" performed at Egemed Hospitals’ Medical Laboratories is provided below. To help our patients understand these tests, a brief medical description and the laboratory’s intended use for each test are clearly stated.
Biochemistry, Metabolism, and Vitamin Tests
VANILLIC ACID (VMA) 24-Hour Urine
Description: This is a measurement of the primary waste product resulting from the breakdown of the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, which regulate blood pressure in the body, in a 24-hour urine collection.
Purpose: To diagnose tumors of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma) and the nervous system (neuroblastoma) that cause sudden spikes in blood pressure, palpitations, and episodes of sweating.
Vitamin B12
Description: This test measures the blood level of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is essential for brain and nervous system health, as well as for DNA synthesis and the production of red blood cells.
Purpose: This test is routinely ordered to identify the underlying cause of clinical symptoms such as fatigue, forgetfulness, numbness in the extremities, and "pernicious anemia" (iron deficiency).
VITAMIN B12
Description: A laboratory blood test for vitamin B12, which is obtained from animal-based foods and absorbed into the bloodstream through specific factors in the stomach.
Purpose: It is used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders (malabsorption), age-related memory decline, and macrocytic anemia.
VITAMIN B6 PROFILE
Description: This blood test measures vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which plays a role in protein metabolism, hemoglobin production, and the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Objective: To investigate cases of unexplained persistent skin rashes, chapped lips, unexplained seizures in infants, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
VITAMIN C Plasma
Description: This is the plasma concentration of ascorbic acid, which supports the immune system, promotes wound healing (by stimulating collagen production), and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Objective: To establish a definitive diagnosis of "scurvy," a condition characterized by severe gum bleeding, subcutaneous hemorrhages, and delayed wound healing.
Vitamin E Serum
Description: This test measures the level of vitamin E (tocopherol), a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from damage (oxidative stress), in the blood.
Objective: To investigate muscle and nervous system damage in patients with fat malabsorption disorders (such as cystic fibrosis) and to assess the risk of cell damage in premature infants.
VITAMIN H (Biotin)
Description: This test measures the blood level of vitamin B7 (biotin), which is popular for promoting hair, skin, and nail health and plays a vital role in cellular energy metabolism.
Purpose: This test is ordered to investigate unexplained severe hair loss, persistent skin infections, and hereditary biotinidase enzyme deficiency.
VITAMIN K1
Description: This test measures the blood level of phylloquinone (Vitamin K1), which is essential for the proper functioning of the blood clotting system (production of clotting factors).
Objective: To evaluate bleeding disorders of unknown cause, vitamin depletion associated with long-term antibiotic use, and fat malabsorption due to bile duct obstruction.
Microbiology, Virology, and PCR Tests
VDRL Card Test, RPR
Description: This test involves a rapid screening of the blood for antibodies produced in response to the damage caused by the bacterium that causes syphilis to the body’s cells.
Purpose: To detect syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, in its early stages, and to conduct blood screenings prior to marriage or surgery.
VDRL Semiquantitative
Description: If the VDRL (syphilis) screening test is positive, this procedure involves measuring the level of these antibodies in the blood by diluting the sample at specific ratios.
Purpose: To determine the severity of the syphilis infection and to confirm that the patient has responded positively to the prescribed antibiotic treatment (by demonstrating a decrease in antibody titers).
VZV PCR
Description: This test involves amplifying and detecting the genetic material (DNA) of the Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, from blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or a wound swab.
Purpose: To confirm suspicious skin rashes and rapidly diagnose VZV-induced encephalitis, which can be fatal, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Hematology and Coagulation Tests
Von Willebrand Factor Antigen
Description: This test measures the total amount of a protein in the blood that helps blood platelets adhere to blood vessel walls when bleeding occurs.
Objective: To diagnose "von Willebrand disease," the most common inherited bleeding disorder in the general population, and to determine its subtype.
Von Willebrand Factor Antigen
Description: This test involves the determination of the von Willebrand molecule—which plays a vital role in the blood coagulation cascade by carrying Factor VIII—using immunological methods.
Purpose: This test is ordered to determine the cause of persistent gum bleeding, uncontrollable nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, and unexplained bruising on the body.
Immunology and Allergy Tests
Vespa spp. (Yellow Jacket I3) CLIA
Description: This is a highly sensitive laboratory test that measures the specific IgE-class allergy antibodies produced by the patient’s immune system in response to yellow jacket venom.
Purpose: To assess the risk of developing life-threatening anaphylaxis (allergic shock) following bee stings and to determine the patient’s suitability for bee venom immunotherapy.
Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
VANCOMYCIN
Description: This refers to the concentration of a potent intravenous antibiotic in the blood during the treatment of serious and severe bacterial infections that are resistant to other medications (such as MRSA).
Objective: To ensure that the drug remains within the therapeutic dose range and to prevent its toxic effects, which could cause permanent hearing loss in the kidneys and auditory nerves.